Best Things to Do in New Jersey This 4th of July Weekend (July 3-5, 2026)

The big day is here: America’s 250th birthday! Whether you’re celebrating 4th of July weekend at a parade, fireworks display or ceremony, we’ve rounded up the best things to do across the state this Fourth of July weekend.

Here are some highlights:

• The free Rev, White & Blue concert at SHI Stadium in Piscataway (with Nick Jonas!)
• Sail 4th 250 welcoming 40 tall ships into New York Harbor
• Heritage Week in Trenton
• New Hope-Lambertville America 250 Festival across both river towns
• Fourth of July 2026 at Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton, former home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence
• The 4th of July Walking Tour at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge
• Oceanfest in Long Branch
• Bergen County’s Star Spangled Spectacular
• Jersey Freeze Hot Dog Eating Contest in Freehold
• Wildwood 4th of July Week Events

WEEKEND

Riverton 4th of July
Multiple locations, Riverton
Wednesday – Saturday
There’s a whole host of activities to celebrate America’s birthday. Bring your dancing shoes to the Cocktail Party at Riverton Yacht Club on June 27. The annual free Concert in the Park on June 28 features The Broken Hearts, a Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers tribute band. The house decorating contest wraps up on June 28. A bike decorating workshop will be held on July 3. July 4 includes: the Bill Oliver 5K, 1-Mile Run for Fun, Riverton 4th of July Children’s Parade, park festivities, a pet pageant, The Great Joe Zaneski Downhill Race, and a raft race.

Declaration Days
Museum of American Revolution, Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday – Sunday
The highlight of the museum’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence will include in-gallery talks, historical interpretation, and hands-on demos.

Wildwood 4th of July Week Events
The Wildwoods
Wednesday – Sunday
Events for America’s 250th birthday include the reenactment of Turtle Gut Inlet, a patriotic drone show, a baby and a pooch parade, a 5K beach run, Friday night fireworks, a sports card show, the farmers market and boardwalk craft show, a 78th Army Band concert, and a huge 4th of July celebration.

Rev, White & Blue
SHI Stadium, Piscataway
Thursday
Revolution NJ will host a concert celebration with Nick Jonas, and Vin Rock and Kay Gee of Naughty By Nature, Ali Stroker and more ahead of America’s 250th birthday celebration. There will be family-friendly activities, food trucks, and a post-show fireworks display.

Red Bank Presents America 250 Celebration
West Front Street and Broad Street, Red Bank
Prior to 4th of July, celebrate Independence with the Kids’ Takeover (a balloon artist, stilt walker, activities, face painting and games), a DJ and dancing, 250 trivia, giveaways, photo ops, a pie-eating contest, a concert by John Luckenbill’s Pops Band, and Red Bank’s 250th Laser Show.

Independence Day Fireworks & World Cup Events
Boyd Park, New Brunswick
Thursday
New Brunswick kicks off its 4th of July festivities early with a free community celebration. This year’s festival doubles as a World Cup hub, with two 20-foot LED screens broadcasting soccer matches live. There will be live music from R&B and soul band Valarie & the Dimensions alongside a live DJ. The park will feature local food trucks, a family fun zone with inflatables, and a shopping village. The celebration wraps up at sundown with a fireworks spectacular over the Raritan River.

Stars, Stripes & Anglesea Nights
Anglesea Entertainment District, North Wildwood
Thursday
The patriotic street fair will be a festive red, white and blue celebration featuring a dozen food trucks, market shopping, family-friendly entertainment, live music, and patriotic performers. There will be stilt walkers and street performers, a special appearance by the renowned Philly Fife & Drum Corps with Revolutionary-era music, and patriotic pageantry.

Fourth of July Celebration
Philadelphia
Thursday
Philly will celebrate early on Thursday, July 2, the date John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife Abigail that the nation’s independence was going to be celebrated with fireworks, a parade and pomp and circumstance. There will be a flag raising at the Betsy Ross House, the Red, White & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, a parade with Radio Flyer wagons turned into floats rolling along Independence Mall, and a block party at City Tavern. More free activities include live music throughout the city, picnics and a drone show. Museums, historic sites and local businesses will come together in one square mile with festooned décor, concerts, games, extended hours at historical sites, restaurant specials, and more.

Ewing’s Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza
Green Lane Fields, Ewing
Thursday
Before the fireworks light up the sky, a Heritage Showcase includes live music, reenactors, storytelling tents, and youth activities centered on the crossing of the Delaware and its significance to Ewing’s geography and Revolutionary heritage.

Westfield Community Concert Band Summer Concert Series
Mindowaskin Park, Westfield
Thursday
A special Independence Day celebration concert will feature appearances and presentations by “George Washington” and members of the Westfields Chapter of the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution in period dress. Also featured will be special vocal performances by Mr. Kerry Stubbs, accompanied by the band.

Ocean City Pops Orchestra Concerts
Carey Stadium, Ocean City
Thursday and Saturday
There will be patriotic performances on both nights, including a drone show on July 2.

Fourth of July Weekend Events
Avalon
Thursday – Saturday
Thursday kicks off the 4th of July celebration with a reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by a concert by American Soul. On Friday, the golf cart parade has a USA theme, while Saturday’s boat parade takes on a patriotic them. Stick around on Saturday for fireworks at night.

Heritage Week
Trenton
Friday – Wednesday
New Jersey’s capital city marks America’s birthday with the reopening of the Old Barracks Museum, a multi-cultural parade, a wreath-laying ceremony, a multi-cultural festival, a patriotic Trenton Thunder ball game, special exhibits at the New Jersey State Museum and the New Jersey State Library, an ecumenical service at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church where wounded Hessian soldiers were brought during the Battle of Trenton in 1776, walking tours, a potluck supper, readings of Frederick Douglass’ 1852 speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” and the Declaration of Independence, free tours of the New Jersey State House, a concert by the 55 musicians of the Blawenburg Band, and HistoryFest.

Happy Birthday America Celebration
Haddon Twp.
Friday – Saturday
On Friday, a fireworks display lights up the sky above the Haddon Twp. High School football stadium. Love Alive will perform before the fireworks go off at dusk. On Saturday, the annual parade (with decorated bikes, trikes, wagons and floats) starts at the municipal building and goes down to Crystal Lake Pool, where residents get free entry for the day.

New Hope-Lambertville America 250 Festival
Lambertville, NJ, and New Hope, PA
Friday – Sunday
The river towns will mark America’s birthday in the very place where George Washington traveled during the Revolutionary War – and still has an open bar tab! On Friday, join a discussion with children’s book author Abigale Readlinger; look for costumed re-enactors dressed as the Washingtons, Ben Franklin and General Henry Knox; attend shows by Music Mountain Theatre and Roxey Ballet; and grab a seat for New Hope’s largest fireworks display in history. On Saturday, there is a pub crawl for adults led by George Washington and Sam Adams; and a giant outdoor concert. Sunday includes a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, a freedom parade, dragon boat races, and the synchronized singing of “God Bless America” from both river banks.

Independence Day Weekend 2026
Cape May City
Friday – Monday
The Independence Day Parade kicks off along Beach Avenue on July 4. The fireworks extravaganza is later that night at Congress Hall Beach. Come for the free concerts in Rotary Park on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights.

Bank of America Museums on Us Weekend
Multiple locations
Saturday – Sunday
Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive free general admission to various cultural attractions on the first full weekend of each month.

Independence Weekend
Ocean Grove
Saturday – Sunday
The parade takes place in the morning of July 4th, rain or shine; followed by a patriotic concert on July 5th by the Ocean Grove Summer Band.

Celebrate America Food Trucks & Fun
Laurita Winery & Marketplace, New Egypt (Plumsted)
Saturday – Sunday
Spend Independence Weekend at the winery, where activities include food trucks, live music, lots of wine, time with the kids in the vineyard, and fireworks on Saturday night.

4th of July Parade
Amherst Road and Paris Avenue, Audubon
Saturday and Monday
The usual traditions on July 4 include the parade, the family athletics fun day at the high school, and the Audubon Volunteer Fire Department’s open house party. Come back July 6 for the live band, food trucks, presentation of parade awards and fireworks.

Parade of Sail Cruise and Tall Ships Guided Tours
NY Waterway, Weehawken
Saturday – Tuesday
There are two different cruises that will get you close to the tall ships and military ships coming into NY for Sail4th 250 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America.

FRIDAY

Remember George Washington’s March to Trenton
Birmingham Park, Ewing
The West Trenton Garden Club maintains Birmingham Park, the corner where George Washington’s troops split on their march towards Trenton and attacked the German Hessians from two directions on a snowy night in December 1776. During this event, a costumed reenactor will tell the story of Washington’s victory march. You’ll get to place a flag on the perimeter of the garden.

July 4th Celebration 
Manasquan
Celebrate July 4th and America’s 250th with a parade of bikes and golf carts, followed by live music by Wave Length, and topped up with a fireworks display.

Star-Spangled Space Party
Space Play Academy, Hillsborough
This red-white-and-blue bash is made just for little ones. Stitch is stopping by, Mr. Pati the balloon artist will be twisting away, and every kids gets to make their own custom pinwheel.

Anchored By America’s Best Idea: Celebrating America’s 250th with the Tall Ships at Sandy Hook
Seastreak, Middletown Twp.
Board a Seastreak charter from Highlands to Sandy Hook to get an up-close view of the tall ships. Once at the Sandy Hook dock, you’ll see views of Sandy Hook Bay from under a sailcloth tent near the historic Post Chapel in Fort Hancock, just a short walk from the dock. There will be a cocktail reception while New Jersey Symphony Chamber Players perform patriotic songs as a brass quintet. On the way back, ylargest international peacetime gathering of tall ships in a generation.

SATURDAY

Fourth of July 2026
Morven Museum & Garden, Princeton
This free festival will have music, speakers, artmaking, community partners and food on the grounds of the historic house and museum.

Family Parade
North Wildwood
Prizes will be awarded for the best bikes, wagons, strollers, scooters and low-speed vehicles in decorated in a red, white and blue theme.

USA 250 – America’s Birthday Bash
Wilsey Square and Veterans Field, Ridgewood
The 116th annual birthday party for America starts with a flag raising and a parade in the morning. At night, there will be live music, food trucks, a beer garden and fireworks.

Long Branch Fireworks Viewing Party
High Crest at Wave Resort, Pier Village, Long Branch
While waiting for the fireworks to set off over Pier Village, adults get a free Fourth of July cocktail, and kids get a free Rocket Pop Lemonade mocktail. You can get a day pass to the pool, too.

Sail 4th 250
Port of New York and New Jersey
There will be a massive flotilla of tall ships open for public tours throughout the week. Expect family-friendly festivals, cultural performances, and a fireworks display.

Jersey City Fireworks & Tall Ships
Jersey City
From the waterfront, you’ll be able to see 60 tall ships and 40 naval vessels sailing by, followed by a large-scale fireworks display over the Hudson River.

Stars & Stripes Low-Sensory Movie Night
Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Medford
The 4th of July can be stressful for people and animals, so Cedar Run will steer away from fireworks and instead show the movie “Brother Bear” during a low-sensory night with s’mores, desserts and popcorn.

Florham Park 4th of July Parade & Celebration
Florham Park
New Jersey’s longest-running Independence Day parade is followed by a social garden, food and drinks, cake to celebrate the nation’s birthday, rides, games and activities for the whole family.

Sailboat Watch Party
RoofTop at Exchange Place, Jersey City
You’ll have fantastic views of the Tall Ships that are sailing in for America’s 250th anniversary. You can add on a Continental breakfast or cash bar if you’re staying for awhile.

4th of July Walking Tour
Historic New Bridge Landing, River Edge
The July 4th “Meet Me in the Meadow” Walking Tour lets you explore where the American Revolution unfolded. Historic New Bridge Landing was a battleground, encampment ground, military headquarters, and intelligence-gathering post. At the end of the tour stop into the 1752 Steuben House, where you’ll ger free lemonade, iced tea and cookies.

July 4th at Washington Crossing State Park
Washington Crossing State Park, Pennington
It the site where Washington’s troops crossed over the Delaware, the celebration will include a hike, parade, museum tours, readings of the Declaration of Independence, a concert by the Blawenburg Band, and views of Pennsylvania’s fireworks show.

Summit’s 4th of July Celebration
Soldiers Memorial Field, Summit
The 79th annual Fourth of July Celebration features a flag raising ceremony, children’s decorated bike parade, food truck festival, concerts, and a grand fireworks display.

Fourth of July Parade
Third Street and Oradell Avenue to Memorial Field, Oradell
The parade honors freedom, local heroes, and 250 years of American pride.

Lebanon Boro 4th of July Parade
Sutton Place to Holjes-Shepard Memorial Park, Lebanon
This year’s parade marks not only 250 years of America, but 100 years of Lebanon! The borough holds a children’s parade before the main parade.

America 250 – Milltown Parade
Milltown
All of the town favorites return for the country’s 250th anniversary celebration: a fishing derby, 5K race, parade, duck race, pizza eating contest, patriotic house contest, bike contest, and music of all kinds.

Oceanfest
Long Branch
At one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations in New Jersey, you and your crew can watch dance performances, listen to musicians and see clowns. Stroll the boards, shop local businesses and grab a bite at nearby restaurants; then stay for the fireworks display to cap off the night.

Revolutionary Celebration: Independence Day on the Raritan
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
On July 4, 1778, General George Washington ordered the Continental Army to perform a fue de joie (fire of joy) on the banks of the Raritan River. This day begins with A Revolutionary Celebration Run 5K, and continues with a patriotic-themed concert on the front lawn. At the Indian Queen Tavern, listen to 18th-century music and hear stories from General George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Baron von Steuben.

Declaration of Independence Reading
Morristown National Historical Park, Morristown
A public reading of our nation’s foundation document will coincide with a musket salute and self-guided tours of the Ford Mansion.

Fue de Joie
East Jersey Old Town Village, Piscataway
On July 4, 1778, Washington ordered the Continental Army to perform a fue de joie (fire of joy) on the banks of the Raritan River. To mark the occasion, East Jersey Old Town Village in Piscataway will be open on July 4, offering A Revolutionary Celebration Run 5K and a patriotic-themed concert on the front lawn. Listen to 18th-century music and hear stories from Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Baron von Steuben inside the Indian Queen Tavern.

Fourth of July Celebration
Ridgefield Park
Start the day with a reading of the Declaration of Independence before a cannon salute and flag raising. After the Baby and Youth Parade, the Civic Parade steps off. At night, come to Veterans Park for a performance by the Rutherford Community Band and a fireworks display.

Bergen County’s Star Spangled Spectacular
Overpeck County Park, Bergen County
The afternoon of July 4 will feature over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions and fireworks. Major acts set to hit the stage include legendary hip-hop group and Bergen County natives the Sugarhill Gang, the New Jersey Wind Symphony, Super Trans AM, Glenn Roberts Band and Tempo Alegre.

Fourth of July Celebration
Congress Hall, Cape May
For more than 200 summers, Congress Hall has celebrated the Fourth of July on its front lawn. Come for the All-American Cookout in the afternoon, and then fireworks at dusk.

July 4th Parade
Glen Rock High School, Glen Rock
Kids are invited to dress in colonial costumes and walk in the parade to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

4th of July Parade
Historic Smithville
More than 170 units will march in one of the largest 4th of July parades around. The route goes east on Smithville Boulevard to Moss Mill Road and then west on Moss Mill to Historic Smithville. Up to 10,000 people are expected to line the parade route, and may wait up to 2 hours to see the fire apparatus close out the parade. An Independence Day ceremony follows in Smithville’s Village Greene.

Galloway Township’s 4th of July Parade
Galloway Twp.
The parade has honored our troops, vets and first responders every year since 1999. This year’s parade puts an extra special focus on freedom and independence.

Grand Reopening of Old Barracks Museum
Old Barracks Museum, Trenton
After the gates open, vocal duo Liberty Tree will perform. Then, you’ll get a preview of three new exhibits and see, for the first time in decades, the arch that George Washington passed under on his inaugural march through Trenton.

Red, White, and Blueberries BBQ Bash
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA
The 4th of July party includes live entertainment, family activities, a watermelon-eating contest, and blueberry-themed BBQ faves.

Ocean City South End Parade
South End, Ocean City
RevolutionNJ puts on a traditional morning bike and neighborhood parade in celebration of America’s 250th birthday through the South End neighborhood of Ocean City.

Independence Day Parade
Pitman
Line the streets to see the floats and displays that are dedicated to the theme “America 250 – What Does Freedom Mean to You?”

Independence Day Parade
Chatham
One of the oldest town parades in the United States will be followed by a nighttime fireworks display.

July 4th Celebration
Florham Park
The event schedule includes a flag raising, parade, family picnic, social garden with music by What’s What Band, a pre-fireworks show with DJ Jak, and then the actual fireworks.

SUNDAY

Jersey Freeze Hot Dog Eating Contest
Jersey Freeze, Freehold
The third annual hot dog eating contest is held on the same night as fireworks at the racetrack. While enjoying some ice cream, bring the kids for a DJ, face painting and balloon artist. The East Freehold Fire Department bringing out the fire truck for the kids.

Fabulous ’50s Day Car Show
Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Twp.
This longtime South Jersey tradition sets up more than 100 classic and vintage cars inside the park in a fundraiser for the Lupus Foundation of America. Aside from the car show, there will be live music, rides and attractions, kids’ hula hoop activities, and a full day of Americana-themed fun throughout the park.

ONGOING

Montclair Jazz Festival
Lackawanna Plaza Stage, Montclair
Select dates, July 1 – August 15
The Smithsonian Institution has selected the 2026 Montclair Jazz Festival, produced by JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, as part of its “Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals,” a celebration of jazz cities that helped shape the nation. The Tuesday evening Soundcheck Series concerts (plus Wednesday, July 1) lead up to the all-day Downtown Jamboree + Block Party on August 15.

LuminoCity’s Dino Safari
Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Twp.
July 1 – August 15
More than 70 life-sized animatronic dinos comes to life, roaring, moving and swaying like real prehistoric creatures. There are plenty of interactive experiences, like the Triceratops Bounce Nest, Neon Octo-Beats (an inflatable giant octopus that plays DJ beats), and a playground area, the Caveman Axe Throw, a Dino Speedway, a Safari Dig, fossil hunting, and a carousel. At night, the grounds are illuminated for a glow-in-the-dark experience.

Westfield Community Concert Band Summer Concert Series
Mindowaskin Park, Westfield
July 2, 9 and 16
The 114th Summer Concert series will feature works in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, including Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Stephen Foster, Rogers and Hammerstein, Sousa and others. A special “Independence Day” celebration concert will take place on July 2, featuring appearances and presentations by “George Washington” and members of the Westfields Chapter of the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution in period dress. Also featured on July 2nd will be special vocal performances by Mr. Kerry Stubbs, accompanied by the band.

Angelsea Nights
Angelsea Entertainment District, Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood
Thursdays, July 2, 16 and 30; August 13
The lively pedestrian festival is a mix of food trucks, shopping, and street entertainment like stilt walkers, jugglers, magicians and puppeteers.

Summer Boardwalk Craft Shows 
Wildwoods Boardwalk
July 3-5, 11-12, 18-19; August 1-2, 8-9; September 5-6
Dozens of booths will be set up along the southern end of the boardwalk, so you can look for handcrafted jewelry, home décor, unique artwork, beach-inspired treasures, one-of-a-kind gifts and homemade treats.

New York New Jersey World Cup 26 & Telemundo Fan Village
Rockefeller Center, New York, NY
July 4-19
The iconic Rink will become a soccer pitch where you can watch the matches live. The Channel Gardens will be transformed into a living tribute to the eight nations that have won the World Cup. Fan Zones will be located across the Plaza.

Downtown After Sundown
Spiotta Park, South Orange
Saturdays, July 4 to September 5
The live summer music series includes music from different bands every week.

Wildwood 4th of July Week Events
The Wildwoods
Through July 5
Events for America’s 250th birthday include the reenactment of Turtle Gut Inlet, a patriotic drone show, a baby and a pooch parade, a 5K beach run, Friday night fireworks, a sports card show, the farmers market and boardwalk craft show, a 78th Army Band concert, and a huge 4th of July celebration.

NYNJ World Cup 26 Fan Hub
Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison
Select dates, through July 15
Every match day gives fans the rare chance to step onto the field, catch live DJs and player appearances, and enjoy a rotating mix of local talent, food trucks, and fan activations, with select games shown on the main stage screen. The SI Stadium Concert Series will rock the main stage on June 22 with Kygo & Kaleo.

Summer of Soccer
Wave Resort, Pier Village, Long Branch
Through July 19
There will be daily outdoor watch parties at the Carousel Bar and Pool Bar, with an oversized, inflatable soccer ball pool installation, giveaways, and Brazilian-themed decor, music, and food and drinks.

Ultimate Outdoor Soccer Experience
Darby Road Public House & Restaurant, Scotch Plains
Through July 19
The ticketed event on game days include 25-foot TVs, food trucks, mini soccer fields, a full bar and beer tents.

World Cup Fan Fest
American Dream, East Rutherford
Through July 19
The mega shopping and entertainment complex next to MetLife Stadium, where eight matches will be played, will host daily watch parties, live performances, celebrity appearances, giveaways, concerts, brand activations and special events. Head back here for more details as they are released.

Summer of Soccer & Science
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City
Through July 19
Celebrate the World Cup through Pup Cup matches, drone soccer, LSC Rat-thlete Matches, sock-er and subsoccer. On select days, you’ll meet pro players from Gotham FC. During the 3 pm games, LSC will hold watch parties.

Explore Millburn-Short Hills World Cup Celebration
Millburn-Short Hills
Through July 19
Series highlights include a digital resource that names the best spots in town to watch the games, World Cup-themed retail sales and dining offers, the World Cup Skills Day on June 20, and a World Cup Final Viewing Party on July 19.

World Cup 2026 Watch Parties 
Lucky Strike North Brunswick, Lucky Strike Green Brook, Lucky Strike Times Square (NYC), Lucky Strike Chelsea Piers (NYC)
Through July 19
Come for bowling, but stay for the soccer matches. Order themed cocktails in commemorative cups, ask about the branded socks and other giveaways, and watch all the matches tied to the World Cup schedule.

Newark Fan Village
Ferry Street, Newark
Through July 19
Fans will gather to watch every match in large-scale viewing areas. There will be cultural programming, family-friendly activities, and a curated international food hall.

Big Block Match Parties
Hoboken
Weekends, through July 19
Six different neighborhoods will hold block-party watch events, rotating each weekend. Each event will have large-screen live match viewing, interactive soccer games and fan activities, family-friendly programming, outdoor dining, community gathering spaces, and local restaurants getting in on the action.

WorldCup AC Beach Soccer Tournament
Stockton University’s Esports Innovation Center, Atlantic City
Weekends, through July 19 (not on July 4)
The Atlantic City Boardwalk will become a soccer-focused destination , including live beach soccer, open pick-up games, youth clinics, organized matches, skill stations, esports activations, community partner tables, family programming and free watch parties.

Boardwalk Nights
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Twp.
Select nights, through August 2
The all-new Shoreline Pier on the Boardwalk has an all-new nighttime show. After sunset, stick around for powerhouse vocalists, energetic dancers, gravity-defying acrobats, balancing acts, comedy and music from Boardwalk Band, Singin’ SeaGals, Beachside Balancers, Surfs UP and Sway-Watch. The Final Wave show closes out each night. Boardwalk Nights is part of the inaugural summer season of Shoreline Pier at The Boardwalk, a revamped area with five new attractions and boardwalk-inspired dining.

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Franklin Square, Philadelphia, PA
Nightly, through August 16
See over 40 larger-than-life lantern displays featuring the towering Chinese Dragon, glowing flower gardens, ad special lanterns celebrating Philadelphia’s big summer events. The historic Rendell Family Fountain comes alive with choreographed lights, water, and music. Nightly performances feature acrobatics, juggling, balancing acts, and the ancient art of Face Changing.

American Freedom Train Exhibit
Whippany Railway Museum, Whippany
Sundays, through October 11
The museum’s newest exhibit shares the stories related to the American Freedom Train (AFT) of 1975-76. This steam-powered, 26-car train was a traveling Bicentennial exhibition that carried more than 500 pieces of Americana, including George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin’s handwritten draft of the Articles of Confederation, the original Louisiana Purchase, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s robes and Bible, Judy Garland’s dress and ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz” and a lunar rover.

Sights in Sand: An American Road Trip
Peddler’s Village
Through August 31
Celebrating America’s 250th birthday, Peddler’s Village will display five magnificent sculptures created by two world-renowned master sand sculpting teams. Each sculpture will be dedicated to a region of the U.S., and collages on each will show sites like the Statue of Liberty, Kennedy Space Center, Mount Rushmore, Route 66, and the Golden Gate Bridge, among others, as well as animals, architecture and American history scenes.

Butterfly Feedings
Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly
Select weekends, through August 31
While you explore the grounds, visit the butterfly house throughout the day to hand-feed the butterflies. Other activities include storytime, arts & crafts, and animal encounters.

Sunset Sips & Sounds
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Fridays, through September 4
The winery will be open all day, but around sunset live music starts to play. Grab a bite to enjoy, have a glass of wine, and let the kids play on the tractors and in the play areas.

Downtown After Sundown
Spiotta Park, South Orange
Saturdays, through September 5
The live summer music series kicks off on June 6 with a Caribbean Heritage Month celebration with steel pan music.

Winery Weekend Music Series
Terhune Orchards, Princeton
Saturdays – Sundays, through September 6
Plus Labor Day, Monday, September 7
Set in the wine orchard among 100-year-old apple trees, you can have a glass of wine or a wine slush, listen to live music from local artists, stroll the farm, visit the animals, and let the kids play on the tractors and playhouses.

Camp Boardwalk: Atlantic City During World War II
NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May
Through September 7
The traveling exhibit finds a new home inside historic Hangar #1, showing the role AC played in World War II: hotels were converted into military barracks, ballrooms into drill halls, and Boardwalk Hall into a training facility. You’ll experience oral histories, archival materials, and personal stories that highlight the wartime experiences of servicemen, nurses, volunteers and civilians.

Tipsy Tiki Pop-Up Bar
The Bistro at iPlay America, Freehold Twp.
Through September 7
The restaurant will be all about island vibes, with tropical cocktails (and mocktails) and menu specials. Beach-inspired drinks are served in island-themed glassware. The bar area is decorated with lots of floral décor.

Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Through September 7
There are animatronics, robots, ride designs, costumes and props that mimic The World Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood, giving you an insider’s look at the storytelling and building behind the rides and worlds at the Florida and California theme parks.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
The Bronx Zoo, The Bronx, NY
Through September 7
Young fans of the PBS KIDS series will feel like they’re part of the show. Kids will be involved in character meet-and-greets, original live shows, a climbable life-sized trolley, a seek-and-find nature walk, a tactile station where you can learn about animals, the Tunnel of Make Believe, and a sensory-rich replica of the iconic Neighborhood Music Wall.

Editor’s Note: Always check times, dates and weather updates before heading out.

Q: What are some of the best things to do in New Jersey this 4th of July weekend (July 3-5)?

A: This weekend (July 3-5, 2026) features family-friendly things to do across New Jersey and in NY and PA. Highlights this weekend include the free Rev, White & Blue concert at SHI Stadium in Piscataway (with Nick Jonas!); Sail 4th 250 welcoming 40 tall ships into New York Harbor; New Hope-Lambertville America 250 Festival across both river towns; Fourth of July 2026 at Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton, former home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence; Oceanfest in Long Branch; Bergen County’s Star Spangled Spectacular; Jersey Freeze Hot Dog Eating Contest in Freehold and Wildwood 4th of July Week Events.

Q: What parts of New Jersey do these events cover?

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